MTV selects Madrid, Spain as the host city for the MTV EMA’s on November 7, 2010.Weekly Travel News
March 18th, 2010MTV selects Madrid, Spain as the host city for the MTV EMA’s on November 7, 2010.
Irish Cuisine
March 17th, 2010
On St. Patrick’s Day, we all get a wee bit of the Irish in us. Guinness, Irish stew and corned beef & cabbage are common in the U.S., but they aren’t the only things you would have when traveling through Ireland.
Ireland’s cuisine is very traditional and hearty, ensuring every meal is satisfying and delicious. Discover the home-style, comforting foods of Ireland. Listed here are Irish must-order specialties including Irish stew, Irish potato griddle cakes called boxty, coddle, and the components of a traditional Irish breakfast. An Irish breakfast will include farm fresh eggs served with sausage, eggs, bacon, grilled tomatoes and black or white pudding (a type of sausage.) There is usually also Irish brown bread served with sweet Irish butter and the famous Irish preserves. Also popular, is baked ham, salmon, oysters, and lamb. To drink? Guinness, Irish whiskey, Irish coffee and Irish breakfast tea. Guinness is sometimes added to stews, soups and sauces to give it an extra kick or enhance the flavors but it brings out the best quality in Irish cooking. Not to worry, you can also pick up a burger, wings and steak in just about any restaurant.
You can take an 8 day tour of Ireland for just $1,089 pp including hotel accomodations at first class hotels, full Irish breakfast daily, 3 dinners as well as sightseeing tours. If you’re feeling adventurous, a self-drive vacation allows you to plan your own itinerary, select your overnight stops and choose your B&B location on a day-to-day basis. Start your vacation in Dublin, where you will pick up your car on arrival. For the balance of your vacation, the choice is yours to discover Ireland with your B&B vouchers for each overnight stay, accommodation directories and a road map. Prices start at $489 pp for a 5 night/6 day package.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
United States Tours
March 16th, 2010
Travel the United States on an escorted or a city stay pre-planned vacation, and experience the cultural diversity in any one of our vibrantly animated cities saturated with distinct character and a unique charm. Start on the Western frontier visiting the historic California landmarks of San Diego and Los Angeles en route to San Francisco where the iconic Golden Gate Bridge awaits. Perhaps you crave an outdoor adventure in the Old West, exploring national landmarks such as Mount Rushmore in South Dakota or the Grand Canyon and its immense glory in Arizona. Moving east, you will encounter the smooth texture of a jazz infused Chicago nightlife and the cultural seeds of today’s modern United States in the cities of Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington DC. New York needs no introduction as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the United States—a must-see for any traveler exploring the states.
Tour Destinations: | Alaska Tours | Atlas Cruises & Tours | Hawaii Tours | National Parks Tours | Fall Foliage Tours | Family Vacations
Tour Operators that offer tours of the United States: | Brendan Tours | Contiki Tours | Cosmos Tours | Globus Tours | Insight Tours | Monograms Independent Vacations | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours |
The Cove Atlantis Paradise Island
March 15th, 2010
Stylish and dynamic, The Cove Atlantis is a sophisticated resort within the exciting world of Atlantis, where every room is a suite with an ocean view. Set between two of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the atmosphere at The Cove is chic and contemporary. Indulgent experiences include the gourmet cuisine of celebrity chef Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, and a vibrant social scene and poolside gaming at Cain at The Cove – an adults-only ultra pool reserved exclusively for guests of The Cove Atlantis. Enjoy access to the world of Atlantis including Aquaventure, Dolphin Cay, the Mandara Spa, a world-class casino, a wide range of dining options and much more.
Accomodations:
Ocean Suite: Oversized suites with either a french balcony or a full balcony. Also offering a separate step-down living area, luxurious bathroom and walk-in closet. Located on the lower floors. Bedding: 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed (full). View: Ocean or Partial Ocean. 627-784 sq. ft.
Deluxe Ocean Suite: Oversized suites with superior views from either a french balcony or a full balcony. Also offering a separate, step-down living area, luxurious bathroom and walk-in closet. Located on multiple floors. Bedding: 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed (full). View: Ocean. 627-784 sq. ft. Also available The Club Deluxe Ocean View Suite
Azure Suite: Suites just under 1200 sq. ft. with special privileges including access to The Club lounge. On the top five floors of the hotel, offering amazing views, one master bedroom, spacious master bathroom, separate dining and living area, walk-in closets, full guest bathroom and two full balconies. Bedding: 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed (full). View: Ocean. 1,198 sq. ft.
Azure 2 Bedroom Suite: The two bedroom suite has the same description as the Azure Suite listed above except that it is connecting to a Deluxe Ocean Suite which provides the second bedroom. This suite also includes Club Lounge privileges for guests 12 and older. View: Ocean.
Sapphire Suite: 1700 sq. ft. One master bedroom; a spacious bathroom with floor to ceiling windows; marble floors; granite vanities with twin vessel sinks; two-person, glass-enclosed steam shower; large separate bathtub; vanity area; LCD television in a two-way mirror; separate living area with sofa, desk and six-seat dining table; guest half bathroom and two full corner balconies with superior water views. This suite also includes Club Lounge privileges for guests 12 and older. Bedding: 1 king bed. View: Water. 1,700 sq. ft.
Sapphire 2 Bedroom Suite: 2460 sq. ft. One master bedroom with King size bed; spacious master bathroom with floor to ceiling windows; marble floors; granite vanities with twin vessel sinks; two-person, glass-enclosed steam shower; large separate bathtub; vanity area; LCD TV in a two-way mirror; separate living area with sofa, desk and six-seat dining table; guest half bathroom and two full corner balconies with superior water views. Connecting Ocean Suite featuring an open floor plan with two Queen beds, living room with sleeper sofa, spacious bathroom with twin vanity sinks, frosted glass-tile enclosed shower and separate bathtub, full or French balcony. guests 12 and older. View: Water.
The Club Lounge/Privileges Located on the 22nd floor, The Club is The Cove’s preeminent concierge level of suites. Guests partake in additional services and amenities strictly reserved for them, including a dedicated priority concierge for restaurant, golf, spa and cabana reservations. Guests (12 and older) enjoy exclusive use of The Club Lounge showcasing breathtaking views of the ocean, Aquaventure, and beautiful sunrises. The Club serves gourmet breakfast and delicate hors d’oeuvre during the day, as well as signature and specialty cocktails in the evening.
Food & Beverage:
Aura: the 7500 square foot club, located just off the Atlantis casino, features VIP seating, a sunken dance floor and two bars.
Cain: (Ultra pool & bar) 5 gaming tables and lively DJ mixes bring a high-energy atmosphere to this adults-only pool area, open into the evening for cocktails, mingling, and balmy ocean views.
The Cove Pool Cafe: a bistro-table and chaise lounge service of fresh fare, from ceviche and sashimi bento boxes to gourmet burgers and wraps, along with smoothies and full bar service. This cafe is open to Cove guests only, guests must be 18 years or older.
Cascades Grill: Flavorful, jerked meats, pulled chicken and BBQ pork, seasonal salads, hot and cold wraps, and frozen drinks served poolside.
Sea Glass: fruit-infused martinis and signature drinks served in this upscale lounge, with a backdrop of spectacular Bahamian sunsets. The lounge also offers 4 gaming tables.
Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill: Bobby Flay brings his world-renowned Mesa Grill to the Cove Atlantis, serving his signature Southwestern cuisine with a Bahamian twist. Mesa Grill will be open for breakfast (a first for Flay) and dinner, overlooking tranquil Paradise Beach. Only children 12 and older are welcome at this restaurant. The Bar At Mesa Grill, is located within Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill and serves cocktails. General Opening Hours: Open for dinner only.
Mosaic: a fresh concept in custom made cuisine, this Mediterranean influenced restaurant features action cooking stations to prepare dishes n demand, from fresh fish to churrasco. Restaurant overlooks the Atlantis waterscape. General Opening Hours: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ideas on Unique Caribbean Shore Excursions
March 14th, 2010
If you have already been to the Caribbean Islands and on your next visit want to seek out interesting places, people or attractions, all it takes is a little planning. The Islands you visit have experienced centuries of momentous history, they have a culture and an eductaed English speaking population and they possess extraordinary natural attractions.
Jamaica: By contacting the various offices of the Jamaica Tourist Board in the United States, you can arrange a unique and free of charge port-stop visit with Jamaican counterparts, via that Island’s “Meet the People” program. You can visit schoolteachers, doctors, visit a hospital , meet a Jamaican chef, or even be taken by a Jamaican to one of the Island’s standard sightseeing attractions.
Cozumel: Independent Companies like Shoretrips.com, portpromotions.com and portcompass.com will arrange for a smaller van with driver to pick you up at the dock and take you on a difierent sort of tour to a Mayan site or be driven overland through the jungle on an all-terraine vehicle and taken to caves, then a swim in a geological underground pool and maybe even to a bat cave. Also available is a private tour of Punta Sur Ecological Park, which is a 247 acre nature preserve. Between July and August, visitors can be a part of the turtle program to see nesting behavior of the marine turtle.
Cayman Islands: Taxi service on this Island provides good commentary on the way to a famous turtle farm, which raises turtles for preservation. An impressive scientific lecture is delivered on site. Visit Queen Elizabeth’s Gardens which preserves a segment of the Caymanian lanscape and is home to a vareity of wildlife including the endangered Blue Iguana.
You can transform your Island visits into valid cultural experiences of depth and interest with a little advance planning.
Written by C Kennedy
kennedy@atlastravelweb.com
What’s New in Travel
March 12th, 2010
Disney’s volunteer program reached it’s goal of 1 million participants. The “Give A Day, Get a Day” program rewarded volunteers with a 1 day Disney park admission.Passion Play 2010 – What’s Still Available?
March 11th, 2010
You’re interested in attending the 2010 Passion Play, but waited until the last minute to book. Availbility is difficult to find at this point, particularly for the 3 to 5 day packages, but if your dates are flexible, you can still attend.
To save you time, we’ve compiled a list of what is available, by travel month, for our most popular packages. Out of the hundreds of departures that were being offered, this is it. Please keep in mind this is subject to availbility at the time of booking, and that several of these departures only have a few spaces left, so don’t delay in securing your tickets.
May Departures:
German Highlights & Oberammergau | 10 days | May 23
Munich, Salzburg, Vienna & Oberammergau | 10 days | May 19, 26
Imperial Splendors & Oberammergau | 13 days | May 29
Grand Catholic Italy with Oberammergau: | 13 days | May 17
Best of Germany: | 13 days | June 22, 29
June Departures
Oberammergau Highlights | 4 days | June 26
The Alps & Oberammergau: | 5 days | June 29
Best of Germany: | 9 days | June 25
German Highlights & Oberammergau | 10 days | June 1, 22, 29
Munich, Salzburg, Vienna & Oberammergau 10 days | June 9, 16, 30
European Spree: | 10 days | June 23
2010 Oberammergau Passion Play | 10 day | June 12
European Reformation: | 11 days | Jun 14
Imperial Splendors & Oberammergau: 12 days | June 10, 12
Grand Catholic Italy with Oberammergau: 13 days | June 7, 21, 28
Best of Germany: | 13 days | July 6, 20
Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria: | 13 days | June 16, 18, 25
Enchanting Europe: | 14 days | June 16, 18
European Spotlight: 14 days | June 18, 25
Road to Rome: | 15 days | June 19, 26
July Departures
Oberammergau Highlights: | 4 days | July 24, 31
The Alps & Oberammergau: | 5 days | Jul 6
Best of Germany: | 9 days | July 9, 23
Catholic Germany & Alps Oberammergau | 10 days | Jul 24
German Highlights & Oberammergau | 10 days | July 4, 6, 11, 18, 20, 25
Sounds of Music: | 10 days | July 9, 16, 23, 30
European Spree: | 10 days | July 7, 14, 21, 28
Munich, Salzburg, Vienna & Oberammergau | 10 days | July 14
2010 Oberammergau Passion Play |10 days | July 31
Imperial Cities with Oberammergau | 10 days | July 7, 31
Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria | 10 days | July 5, 10, 17, 28, 31
France & Bavaria with Oberammergau | 10 days | July 2, 9
Alpine Explorer with Glacier Express | 11 days | July 2, 13
European Charm & Oberammergau: | 12 days | July 18th
Imperial Splendors & Oberammergau: 12 days | Jul 1, 24, 29, 31
Italy Featuring the Oberammergau Passion Play | 12 days | July 12
Grand Catholic Italy with Oberammergau: 13 days | July 2, 26
Best of Germany: | 13 days | July 6, 20
Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria: |13 days |July 2, 9, 16, 23
Enchanting Europe: | 14 days | July 14, 17
European Spotlight: 14 days | July 9, 16, 23
Road to Rome: | 15 days | July 10, 17
August Departures
Oberammergau Highlights: | 4 days | Aug 7, 21,28
Catholic Germany & Alps Oberammergau | 10 days | Aug 7, 21
Best of Germany: | 9 days | Aug 20
German Highlights & Oberammergau | 10 days | Aug 1, 8, 22, 29
Munich, Salzburg, Vienna & Oberammergau | 10 days | Aug 18
Sounds of Music: | 10 days | Aug 6, 20, 27
European Spree: | 10 days | Aug 4, 18, 27
Imperial Cities with Oberammergau | 10 days | Aug 28
France & Bavaria with Oberammergau | 10 days | Aug 6, 27
Alpine Explorer with Glacier Epxress | 11 days | Aug 17, 20
European Charm & Oberammergau: | 12 days | Aug 29
Imperial Splendors & Oberammergau: 12 days | Aug 5, 12
Italy with the Oberammergau Passion Play | 12 days | Aug 2, 16, 30
Best of Germany: | 13 days | August 3, 10, 17, 24
Grand Catholic Italy with Oberammergau: 13 days | Aug 9, 16, 30
Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria: |13 days| Aug 20, 27
Enchanting Europe: | 14 days | Aug 25, 28
European Spotlight: 14 days | Aug 6, 13, 20
Road to Rome: | 15 days | Aug 7, 14, 21, 28
September Departures
Oberammergau Highlights: | 4 days | Sept 11, 18, 25
The Alps & Oberammergau: | 5 days | Sept 14, 21, 28
Catholic Germany & Alps Oberammergau | 10 days| Sept 4, 18
Best of Germany: | 9 days | Sept 24
German Highlights & Oberammergau | 10 days | Sept 19
European Spree: | 10 days | Sept 1, 8, 15, 22
2010 Oberammergau Passion Play | 10 days | Sept 14
Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria | 10 days | Sept 18, 24
European Reformation: | 11 days | Sep 16
Alpine Explorer with Glacier Express | 10 days | Sept 5
European Charm & Oberammergau: | 12 days | Sept 5
Italy with the Oberammergau Passion Play | 12 days | Sept 20
Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria: | 13 days | Sept 3, 8, 10, 17 & 24
Discover Croatia & the Dalmation Coast | 12 days | Sept 22
Enchanting Europe: | 14 days | Sept 1, 15
Road to Rome: | 15 days | Sept 10, 17, 24
Packages Under $2,200 pp
Once in a Decade Passion Play: 3 days | Visiting Munich & Oberammergau
Priced from $1,249 pp | June 15, Jul 6 and Aug 31
Oberammergau Highlights: 4 days | Visiting Munich, Innsbruck & Oberammerga
Priced from $2,140 pp | June 26; July 24, 31; Aug 7, 21, 28; Sept 11, 18, 25
The Oberammergau Passion Play – 4 day | Visiting Munich & Oberammergau
Priced from $1,775 pp | May 23; June 4, 11; July 2; Aug 20, 27; Sept 24, 28
The Alps & Oberammergau | 5 days
Priced from $1,834 pp | June 29; July 6; Sept 14, 21, 28
Affordable Munich and the Passion Play: 5 days | Visiting Munich & Oberammergau
Priced from $1,499 pp | June 15, Jul 6 and Aug 31
Affordable Vienna, Munich & the Passion Play: 7 days | Visiting Vienna, Munich & Oberammergau
Priced from $1,689 pp | June 13th and Aug 29th
Oceania Regatta Review
March 10th, 2010We just toured the Regatta and it was a wonderful day. First, we were sent to the Horizon Lounge which is on Deck 10. It’s absolutely the most beautiful and comfortable Observation Lounge ever! Sofas and chairs have large colorful pillows, sheer drapes adorn the windows and there is a combo and dance floor.
The specialty restaurants, Toscana and Polo Grill are on the same deck and they both offer their own bar area and luxurious seating with fabulous menus….no extra charge of course. In between the restaurants is the largest library I’ve seen on any size ship and also the most inviting. It was like an English Manor drawing room, with bookcases and books piled upon tables, a central fireplace with sofas and love seats, again with comfy pillows propped everywhere…wanted to stay there,
The Lobby area is stunning with its double staircase in wrought iron and gold, carpeted in red and black. Surrounding the area are oversized chairs and sofas inviting you to sit and chat. When you ascend the grand staircase, feeling as if you’re in “Gone With the Wind”, you enter the Upper Hall which has boutiques, a beautiful Grand Bar and a very inviting Martini’s Bar and a very small casino. Forward is the lounge which also has a dance floor. There is a wonderful feel of casual elegance all over the ship. Aft is the Grand Dining Room which is also lovely and we enjoyed a multi course delicious lunch with white glove service. The cuisine on Oceania Cruises is considered one of the very best at sea.
I would certainly wholeheartedly recommend Oceania to all but the under 40 set as there are not a lot of different venues as offered by the larger ships.
Oceania Cruises runs wonderful promotions throughout the year including 2 for 1 rates, free airfare and more. Call us at 800-942-3301 for more details on the latest Oceania Cruise deals.
Written by: Laura Unger
laura@atlastravelweb.com
The World of Cruising
March 9th, 2010
Come aboard and sail away on a ship, barge or yacht. At sea, on a canal or river cruise, Atlas has hand picked travel partners for you to enjoy the best value & experience. Our travel specialists arrange adventures such as luxurious canal cruising sipping wine and savoring the cuisine in Burgundy, to world-class programs onboard luxury yachts and award winning cruise lines. Search for penguins in Antarctica, see majestic glaciers in Alaska, explore wildlife on a Galapagos cruise, or embrace the pleasure of sailing the Mediterranean or the Baltic. Refined & relaxing, the world of cruising offers authentic experiences onboard & ashore.
Call 800-942-3301 to begin planning a cruise vacation.
What’s New at Adventures by Disney
March 7th, 2010
Adventures by Disney proudly presents the Gateway Collection, the newest vacation option offers families flexibility via expanded free time, so they have more time to visit places of interest, and an affordable way to see some of the world’s most desirable locales.
Travel to Italy, London & Paris or Costa Rica with no more than 50 Guests, stay in comfortable lodging, enjoy the service of two Disney-trained Adventure Guides, VIP access to things difficult to arrange on your own, special fun for the kids and now, expanded free time, so you have the flexibility to visit the venues that interest you most, all with the attention to detail that only Disney can provide. Your Adventure Guides provide concierge service every step of the way, ensuring that you have what you need before you even know you need it! The Gateway vacations include plenty of time on your own so that you can enjoy the convenience of guided travel yet still see and do what interests you most.
Check out the itineraries for the Adventure by Disney Gateway vacations below.
Travel through time to explore Italy, from ancient Rome to the Venetian Renaissance. Explore the Venice canals by gondola, learn to make pizzas in Florence and marvel at the beauty of the Sistine Chapel. It’s an experience for all ages.
The adventure begins in jolly old England with a visit to Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. It then crosses the English Channel to Paris for a scavenger hunt in the Louvre and a family lunch in the Eiffel Tower. Oh la la!
Delve into the natural wonders and wildlife of the country’s vibrant forests, such as the lush and stunning Tortuguero. Enjoy the extremes?from zip lining above the rainforest canopy to touring ancient forests filled with exotic creatures. It’s the world’s ultimate eco-adventure destination!
We specialize in family vacations, and would be excited to help you plan the perfect getaway.
